"I started working in a record store just in 1972 and my life changed. I also discovered we had the ability to change our customers lives each time they came in the door. Music is the ultimate enhancer to people's lives. Turning some one on to something they had not ever heard before that hits a nerve, can make someone's day and leave a permanent impression. It's important for music fans to support their local record stores regularly, not only to help record stores stay heathy, but for their own well being. RSD is great day to come out and celebrate what record stores have been to our lives....to celebrate vinyl, the single greatest invention ever.

- Terry Currier - Music Millennium

As a kid growing up, my life was a combination of parental pestering and bus & train trips to get to the cool record stores; Rod’s Records, Rasputin, Streetlight, and a many others, in which my young DNA was formed. To now get to work in a record store, and play a role in someone else shaping their musical DNA, is a dream come true.

- Rand Foster - Fingerprints

People think just because i own a record store, i only buy from myself. nah, nah, nah...i love going down to louisville, up to indianapolis or terre haute...or wherever i may be...just to find an independent record store. no one ever wants to go with me, though, because i have to look at everything. what's the point in going to a lame, corporate, big-box store? everything's the same in every store. every independent record store is different. i love 'em all! much love and respect to ALL independent record stores everywhere!

- Bret D. Daugherty (13th floor music)

"Indy record stores are where you go when you first realize there's a whole new world of music for you to explore"

- Chrys Hansen - (Modern Music)

"The independent record stores are what keeps much of the music-consumer relationships real and unharmed by major labels and large media corporations. The bond of the music and fans is more intimate when you hear it at a record shop or discover it by word of mouth rather than just hearing a catchy track on the radio or seeing a music video on the top 10 countdown.

Indie record stores allow the people to choose their music and not be force-fed music by the corporate side of the industry."

- Derek Frye (Cat's Music)

“Independent record stores represent the heart, soul and foundation of the recorded music world.”

- Joe Nardone, Jr. (Gallery of Sound)

After 28 years as proprietor of an independent record store and weathering all the industry changes, it’s a real breath of fresh air to have a holiday just for us! On this day, I celebrate my own history with records - collecting since 1969, working in a record store at 16, working for Rounder Records and MXR Innovations throughout the 1970s, helping to build our city’s first independent record store, and finally opening my own store, BOP SHOP RECORDS in 1983. I firmly believe the future of the music industry lies in the hands of the independents. We push the envelope by taking chances on and promoting lesser known artists, and are passionate in our support and beliefs. The independent record store is a place where folks can gather and connect around a common interest, and in that respect, bears little difference from the quintessential social networking sites - the old book and record stores of the 50s and 60s.

- TOM KOHN - BOP SHOP RECORDS – ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

I cut my music-retail teeth managing a couple of mall chain record stores in the early eighties. Keeping abreast of the top pop charts for a couple of years, I thought I knew most of what there was to know about music. Then I got a job in a large independent record store and was absolutely blown away. The staggering scope of genres, musicians and titles that flew (and continue to fly) through our place humbled, excited and overwhelmed me. 20 odd, and I do mean odd, years later, not a day goes by when I don’t see something I have never seen before. I love working with the dedicated and knowledgeable staff, the incredible customers with their passions and loyalties, and the never-ending adventure of discovery. The climate is exhilarating….long may we (all) rock!

- Jon Lambert (Princeton Record Exchange)

"SUPPORT YOUR INDEPENDENTS OR SHOP AT THE SERVO ITS YOUR CHOICE"

- Luke J Johnson - Rockaway Records Australia

"The independent record stores in America represent what I value most - undiluted, uncensored, unfettered support for artistic expression"

- Mike Dreese (Newbury Comics)

"Indy record stores spell FREEDOM to discover all kinds of music and entertainment to expand your life and live it!"

- Dilyn Radakovitz (Dimple Records)

"It's always about the TRUTH. Indie stores stock what matters. What matters to our communities. What moves our staffs. It's never just been retail--it's a culture. Through 33s, 45s, 78s, LPs, boot-legs, CDs, DVD's, eight track, underground mixes and cassette tapes there remains one constant: Indie Record Stores. Imagine a world without em--just Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Apple--sucks don't it."

- Bryan Burkert (The Sound Garden)

“As an employee of an indie record store/independent musician i honestly wouldn't be doing what i'm doing today if it wasnt for places like these. you dont get the same vibe when you walk into an indie shop as you do when you walk into best buy or whatever. on a weekly basis i am exposed to new music that i would have never known existed if i was shopping at a chain store. you cant replace the value of the experience you get going into these places. its really a shame to see the younger generation of kids not utilizing places like these. instead they would rather just download the hottest new track from a band they only listen to because myspace told them to. dont let independent record stores die! otherwise i will be out of a job!!”

- Jonas Chiba

"Living in a world where FYE Wal-mart or Best Buy are your music outlets suck I still do this everyday because "MUSIC MATTERS" and when all those corprate ships sink and bands are looking for customers we will still be your outlet and source for the music that matters."

- Al Steele (Wyatt Erap Records)

I just opened my store a couple weeks ago because I believe indie record stores are important - now more than ever. Music is personal to people and (given the option) most people prefer to buy it from a store that has a personality. Indie record stores care about the music and people are learning to appreciate that again. Buying music at the same place you get your dog food is a totally empty experience. Indie record stores fill you up.

- Mike Manly (Hot Dog Music - Sacramento)

Our community record stores are where we share our passion for music with others! We are important to all kinds of music lovers who need information, want advice and hope to be turned on to some new tunes. And indie stores are magnets. . . places to hear live music, where musicians meet other musicians, where friendships are made . . . where people find common ground. . . hell where the “young ones” pick up their first copy of Led Zeppelin II !!

Our local record stores are still the best places to be turned on to new sounds or to rediscover music that has influenced our lives. . . there’s just NO substitute for the vibe!! We must ROCK ON!

- Michael and Denise Roumbanis (dig! music in Ukiah)

“An independent record store is a place of worship, a place of knowledge, a starting point for new discoveries without playlists imposition. To buy a record in an independent store, advised by someone who really knows about music, it's not the same as buying a cd by impulse and then dropping it somewhere and forgetting about it. ”

- Artur Ribeiro, cdgo.com - Portugal

"When we started Delicious Vinyl, getting our records in record stores validated our existence. If we saw our 12" in the racks at Rock & Soul in New York City that for us was the ultimate! When I saw Tone-Loc's 12" Wild Thing well-stocked at Tower Records on Sunset Blvd., that was a surreal and gratifying moment. Even though that was another era, there's still something about the role of the record store in the process of discovery of music that can never be replicated. There's so much you can discover on-line, but you've got to get out from behind the computer and get into a record stores."

- Michael Ross, Founder and President (Delicious Vinyl)

Record Store Day is a day to show all fans of music that true interest and artistry can co-exist with retail and still have a personal touch.

- Zak Frankel, Zia Records

"Indy music is in our blood....we love checking out the shops where ever we go. We started in high school shopping in a local favorite shop here in Lancaster, and then traveling to Philly, DC, and NYC and decided to open up own own place after college. The flyers, poster art, local scenes, and the feeling you get from an indy store can never be found at a mall or superstore. We've been open for 12 years and can't believe how lucky we are to still be doing what we love!"